Gordon U/11 Red - Round 15

Another fine effort with the bat by James Mulder wasn't enough to help an under strength Gordon Reds to victory on Saturday.

Charlie Crawshaw was rewarded for his display of good sportsmanship and honesty

Captain Charlie Bibb won the toss and elected to bat in the early morning heat. The Reds were without Brae Mason and Angus Chitty for this game.

Openers Mulder and Bibb again got the Reds off to a flying start. The pair mixed aggressive hitting with quick singles and after 10 overs the run rate was at 5 an over.

With the openers retired, Tom Hampson continued to push the scoring along as did Charlie Crawshaw. Finn Mclay chipped in with a solid 9 not out.

But the innings suddenly stalled as the batsmen failed to score quickly and make the most of the good start. Tellingly, the Reds scored just 14 runs from their last 10 overs ' a statistic that would end up costing them the match.

Defending 104, the Reds struck early when Mclay took a very good catch from the bowling of Hampson.

It should have been the start of a march to victory but instead the Reds switched off in the field and started to bowl far too short and wide, which allowed the batsmen to get on top.

Further wayward bowling cost the Reds dearly with the exception of the aggressive efforts of Crawshaw ,who took 1 for 5 from his three overs, Mulder and the leg spin of Bibb. Hampson fielded very well with a direct hit run out.

Charlie Bibb wins the man of the match awards

The boys know they can play much better than this and they will be fired up to redeem themselves at next Saturday's match.

Bibb picked up Player of the Match for his efforts with bat and ball while Crawshaw displayed fine sportsmanship when he informed the umpire he had snicked a ball when originally given not out.

Next Saturday is the final game of the season with the Reds looking to end on a high with a win over the Roseville Rickys.

The final practice is on Friday at Artarmon where line and length bowling will be the order of the day!